fetal position

American  

noun

1. a bodily posture resembling that of the fetus in the uterus, in which the body is curled with head and limbs drawn in, sometimes assumed in states of fear or emotional withdrawal.

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fetal position British  

noun

1. a bodily position similar to that of a fetus in the womb, with the knees up towards the chest and the head bent forward

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Etymology

Origin of fetal position

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“The first time I met him, he was in a fetal position with a blanket wrapped around him, just really hurting. And each time that I would meet with him virtually, I would see a little bit more of him in his space, sitting up, holding his baby sister, starting to open up,” Lopez said.

From Los Angeles Times

The movie, told in three parts from different perspectives, is so thoroughly unsettling that a friend, after seeing it, told me that the only logical response is to go home and curl up in the fetal position — which he did.

From Los Angeles Times

“But I’m not going to sit back any longer in a position, a fetal position, in a position of weakness, when in fact California could demonstrably advance strength and that’s what we intend to do.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I was in the fetal position,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The witness testified that she spotted Lockhart in a nearby yard two years ago on June 30, apparently clutching her belly in pain and lying in the fetal position.

From Los Angeles Times